A Conversation with Secretary Carlos Gutierrez

Americans: Against All Odds, presented by The Haidar Family This event is currently in member pre-sale. Members can log in here to reserve tickets. The Bush Center’s new series, Americans: Against All Odds, presented by The Haidar Family, welcomes former Secretary of Commerce and Kellogg CEO, Carlos Gutierrez, who will share his story of ambition and courage. The conversation will reflect on his American spirit and resilience as a Cuban-born immigrant who rose through the ranks at Kellogg, from selling cereal out of his van to becoming the youngest CEO in the company’s hundred-year history. Fleeing to the United States with his family after the Cuban Revolution, he became a U.S. citizen in 1965. Gutierrez later went on to serve as the 35th U.S. Secretary of Commerce under President George W. Bush. Gutierrez will join us for a live podcast recording moderated by Bush Center President and CEO, Shilo Brooks, to discuss his book, Sheer Will: Learning to Lead When There Is No Path, on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. in the Bush Museum. Following the discussion, he will be available to sign and personalize books. Registration is complimentary but required. You may also purchase a book with your registration. When checking out, please be sure to select “pick up” as the delivery method before completing your transaction. To visit the Museum after the event, please purchase Bush Museum tickets. If you have not already activated your account, please see below steps on how to set up your account. There will be time before and after the program to pick up copies of your book. When checking out, please be sure to select “pick up” as the delivery method before completing your transaction. Yes. Following the program, Secretary Gutierrez will sign books. No, other items such as memorabilia, photographs, and additional books are not permitted. The author will be signing books purchased with your event ticket. The George W. Bush Museum entrance located on SMU Blvd. Please reference map below. Please refer to the parking maps below for the best accessible routes as well as drop-off and pick-up points. If you plan to walk from the Bush Center Visitor Parking Lot, you can expect it to be about a 10-minute walk. Accessible seating is available at the entry-level of the auditorium. All other accessible seating is subject to the configuration for the various events. If you need special assistance, please reach out to guest services during normal business hours at 214-200-4300 or via [email protected]. We have very limited parking on the SMU campus. Please note the parking options below. Limited event parking will be available in the Bush Center visitor lot located directly across the street from the George W. Bush Presidential Museum entrance (please reference the map below). Parking in these lots is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors will be charged $10 per car for the first 4 hours and $1.00 for each additional 30 minutes. Visitors pay by credit card upon exiting the parking lot. When using the crosswalk between the parking lot and the Bush Center, please make sure to illuminate the lights to let drivers know you are crossing. You will be required to present a photo ID and proceed through security screening. Prior to your arrival, review our list of prohibited items below. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you soon.